An “Internet Bat Signal”

Remember SOPA, the “Stop Online Piracy Act” that caused more buzz about its potential to limit the internet than it’s “intended purpose” of halting online piracy? Now the Internet Defense League, a new group formed to protect the “open web,” has an idea to make sure legislation like that can never come to be without the public knowing.

The IDL (founded by Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, and a group called Fight for the Future), is creating what’s already being nicknamed the “Internet Bat Signal.” When the group discovers a threat to open Internet (like access or content-limiting legislation) it will send supporting sites code to add to their sites (which will show the “bat signal”) so the public can be aware and unite in protest.

The Internet Defense League already has the support of WordPress, Imgur, Cheezburger Network, Public Knowledge, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and Craigslist founder Craig Newmark.

The Internet Defense League formally launches next week (to coincide with Congress returning to session, when the Senate could take up the similar-to-SOPA “CISPA” legislation.”

And while detractors say an internet “signal” couldn’t be of actual use, it should be known that internet groups already have a successful record: the Internet blackout, for example, helped stop of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA).

So keep a look out for the “bat signal” and stay informed while you stay connected with your EarthLink internet connection!